Health Tip: Keep a Health Journal
Keeping a health journal is a great way to share your medical history with your doctors.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this advice on what to record:
- Any illness or injury.
- Any surgery or procedure.
- Any time you go to the hospital.
- Any allergies to food, substances or medications.
- A history, in your immediate family, of any disease or condition.
- Every medication, vitamin or supplement you take, as well as dosage information.
Health Tip: Be a Smart Patient
Although your doctor and other health-care professionals do their best to help you stay safe, there are things you can do to prevent problems.
The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions on how to be a smart patient:
- If you have a question or concern about your health or treatment, talk to your doctor about it. Bring a friend or family member if you need help understanding what you must do.
- Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of every medication you take, including those sold over-the-counter. Ask about any side effects or sets of drugs that shouldn't be taken together.
- Always get your test results. Ask your doctor at the time of the test when results will be available, and when you can discuss them together.
- If you are able to choose a hospital, discuss the choices with your doctor.
- If you need surgery, ask your physician what will happen, what to expect, and what you need to do.
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